Third person POV :
Hannes continued to run relentlessly through the destroyed streets of Shiganshina, desperately trying to get Eren and Mikasa to safety. The once vibrant town now lay in ruins, a grim reminder of the horrors they had witnessed.
Eren, who had been in a state of shock after the devastating events, seemed to finally snap out of it. His eyes burned with anger as he glared at Hannes, his fists clenched in frustration. Without warning, he lunged towards Hannes, his strikes fueled by a mix of grief and fury.
" Eren, what are you doing ?!". Hannes exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden attack.
He tried to defend himself against Eren's blows while maintaining a firm grip on the situation.
" We were so close to saving my mom !" Eren shouted, his voice trembling with emotion." Why did you do that ? We almost saved my mom ! And what about Stella ?".
Hannes's gaze hardened as he looked down at the ground, unable to meet Eren's furious eyes. The weight of the situation bore heavily on his shoulders, the burden of the choices he had made becoming almost unbearable. With a heavy sigh, he threw Eren on the floor, causing him to land hard on the ground.
" Get a hold of yourself !". Hannes demanded, his voice firm but tinged with sorrow.
Mikasa, who had been watching the heated exchange, rushed towards Eren, her concern etched across her face.
" Eren !". She exclaimed, her voice filled with worry.
She knelt down beside him, offering him a comforting presence in the midst of chaos.
Eren, still seething with anger, slowly got up and moved towards Hannes once again, intent on delivering his retribution. But before his fist could connect with its target, Hannes easily caught it, his grip strong and unwavering.
" Eren..." Hannes began, his voice heavy with regret." The reason you couldn't save your mom... is that you lacked the strength. The reason... The reason I didn't fight the Titan... was that I lacked the courage ! I'm sorry...".
Eren's eyes widened in astonishment as Hannes's words sank in. The rage that had consumed him slowly gave way to a mixture of confusion and sadness. He released his grip, his anger dissipating like the smoke that rose from the wreckage around them.
Hannes, tears streaming down his face, turned away from Eren's gaze and resumed his march, leading the two children towards safety once more.
The air was heavy with an unspoken understanding as they walked through the ruins, the silence broken only by the distant sounds of destruction. The vibrant, sunny day that had promised joy and adventure had been shattered, replaced by a stark reality filled with loss and despair.
When they turned into a street, Eren and Mikasa's eyes widened as they caught sight of a small auburn-haired girl lying unconscious on the floor. It was a miracle that she hadn't been discovered by a Titan yet. The sight struck a chord deep within them, for they both knew the girl well - it was Stella.
Eren's heart raced, and without a second thought, he let go of Hannes' hand and dashed towards the motionless figure. Mikasa followed suit, her heart pounding in her chest.
" Stella !". Eren's voice echoed through the desolate street, filled with a mix of desperation and relief.
Mikasa knelt down beside the girl, her hands trembling as she gently lifted Stella's small, fragile body. The sight of blood trickling down the side of her head sent a wave of panic coursing through Mikasa's veins. The wound appeared severe, and Mikasa feared the worst.
" Stella, please wake up". Mikasa pleaded, her voice choked with tears.
She gently brushed a strand of hair away from Stella's face, her eyes filled with concern.
Hannes, who had been standing a few paces behind, stepped forward to assess the situation. His eyes widened as he caught sight of the girl's wound, and he winced in pain at the mere sight of it.
Estella's POV :
' Stella ! Please ! Wake up ! I can't lose you too !'
I heard a voice in the distance calling me. Do I really have to wake up... Everything hurt...
It took all the strength in the world to open my eyes, and at first, I saw three silhouettes in a blur. The world gradually came into focus, revealing the faces of Hannes, Mikasa, and Eren, three people I held dear.
" Thank God you're awake". A sense of relief washed over me as I heard Hannes' voice.
Confusion clouded my mind, and I frowned, trying to piece together the fragments of my memory. Rubbing my eyes, I attempted to refocus.
"Hannes, Mikasa, Eren... You are here...". My voice came out as a whisper as recognition set in.
Mikasa and Eren exchanged glances, their relief palpable. The gravity of the situation slowly dawned on me, and I cast my gaze around, trying to recall the events that led us here.
" Oh my God ! Eren, Mikasa ! We have to go back home ! There was an earthquake or something... Carla is still at home. With my abilities, I might be able to help her !". Panic laced my words as I struggled to get up, only to be met with a searing pain in my head.
I instinctively placed my hand on the source of pain, feeling the sticky warmth of blood. Not again, I thought, my head throbbing mercilessly. I must have a super-strong skull to withstand a blow like that.
" Calm down, Stella". Hannes intervened, his voice heavy with sorrow.
My eyes darted between Eren, Hannes, and Mikasa, sensing an air of sadness that enveloped them. Eren, his heartbroken expression etched on his face, shattered me from within.
" What's... going on ?". My voice trembled with hesitation as I voiced my question.
Hannes, mustering his composure, spoke calmly," The Titans have breached the walls. Carla, unfortunately, didn't survive...".
A weight heavier than any physical burden pressed down on my chest. I lowered my gaze, staring at the ground, my vision blurred with unshed tears. Eren had just lost his mother, and I couldn't bear the thought of him experiencing this gut-wrenching pain. I never wanted Mikasa to endure such a profound loss again.
And just a few minutes ago, I had spoken to Carla, confessing that she had filled the void I felt. I had likened her to my own mother, wanting my brother Harry to meet her.
" I'm sorry, Eren, Mikasa... Despite my abilities, I couldn't do anything... I just managed to get hit by a bloody rock. You talk about wanting to change the future and keep your promises, you're not even capable of saving a life, you idiot...". I said to myself remorsefully, my voice laced with self-condemnation.
" Stella...". Mikasa's voice barely reached my ears, filled with sorrow and understanding.
" It's not your fault, Stella... I'll never blame you for what happened". Eren's voice echoed with a heavy sadness.
Hannes knelt down beside me and gently lifted me onto his back, offering me support as we continued our escape through the crumbling city. Mikasa and Eren walked close beside us, their faces etched with grief and exhaustion.
" We have to go". Hannes urged, determination mixed with weariness evident in his voice.
As we made our way towards the boats that stood at the edge of the city, Hannes engaged in a lengthy conversation with a soldier, his words persuasive and desperate. After what felt like an eternity, the soldier relented, allowing us passage on one of the boats.
" Stella, will you be able to walk ?". Hannes inquired, concern etched in his weary face.
I nodded, my voice barely a whisper," Yes, thank you, Hannes. And please, be careful".
A small, melancholic smile graced Hannes' lips as he gently placed me on the ground. His eyes held a deep remorse as he looked at me, and I couldn't help but wonder what burden he carried within his heart.
" She wanted us to tell you that she loved you". Hannes whispered, his voice filled with sorrow and regret.
My heart skipped a beat, a mixture of surprise and anguish welling up within me. I clenched my jaw, fighting back the tears threatening to spill. Hannes stole one last glance at us before sprinting away, his resolve reignited, to join the desperate fight against the encroaching Titans. With Hannes gone, Eren, Mikasa, and I made our way onto the boat, our hearts heavy with loss and unanswered longing.
I gazed up at the sky, my eyes brimming with unshed tears, as the boat was about to pull away from the crumbling town. My thoughts were consumed by Carla, her loving presence forever imprinted in my heart. The weight of regret settled upon me, the realization that I would never have the chance to tell her one last time how much I loved her or even to thank her at least once again for everything she's done for me.
Mikasa took my hand and looked at me with concern, her eyes filled with worry.
" Is your head hurting ?". She asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.
" Don't worry, Em. I'm fine". I reassured her, forcing a small smile despite the chaos unfolding around us.
The deafening sound of panicked voices and desperate pleas echoed through the air, mingling with the unsettling silence that accompanied the looming threat of the Titans.
Holding Eren and Mikasa's hands, I squeezed them gently, trying to provide a sense of reassurance amidst the mounting fear and uncertainty.
People flocked to the small boat, desperately hoping for a chance at survival. Murmurs of disbelief and despair filled the air, punctuated by agonized cries of parents begging for their children to be spared.
" This just can't be happening". I heard a man murmur, his voice laced with disbelief and despair.
" Oh God... oh God...". A woman muttered, her trembling voice reflecting the magnitude of the tragedy unfolding before her.
We watched in horror as the soldiers aboard the boat removed the gangplank, sealing the fate of those left behind. Desperation filled the air as cries of protest and anguish erupted from the desperate crowd.
" Hey ! What are you doing ?". A man exclaimed, his voice desperate.
" The ship's full ! It's leaving !". The soldier responded, his voice strained with the weight of his duty.
" No way...! Please, at least take my child !". A woman begged, her voice quivering with a mother's desperation.
" I'm sorry, but I can't ! Go !". The soldier ordered, his tone laced with a mix of sorrow and resignation.
Desperate pleas and cries for help filled the air as the boat began to move, slowly drifting away from the chaos and despair on the shore. In a final act of desperation, some individuals clung onto the boat, their determination to survive outweighing the fear of being eaten alive by the Titans.
Amidst the chaos, my attention was abruptly drawn to the thunderous sound of artillery fire. Shells exploded in the distance as the soldiers fought valiantly to repel the encroaching Titans. It was a futile battle; the odds were stacked against them, and the despair settled deep within my heart.
My eyes widened as I caught sight of a Titan in the distance, its body covered in menacing armor. It paused for a moment, as if surveying its surroundings, before sprinting toward the gate with a thunderous roar. The impact was devastating, shattering the gate and shrouding the once-protected realm of Wall Maria in terror and destruction. It was a sight of unparalleled horror.
Eren, sensing the gravity of the situation, squeezed my hand tighter. I turned to look at him, only to find tears streaming down his face, his silent cries echoing the pain and regret that consumed his heart.
The realization that his last interaction with his mother was marked by anger and disagreement must have been tormenting him. Carla may not have held him responsible, but the weight of that irreversible moment would forever haunt Eren and I knew it.
After a few seconds, he opened his beautiful eyes and stared angrily ahead.
" I will kill them...". I heard him murmur, his voice filled with raw anger and determination.
I looked at him in astonishment, taken aback by the depth of his emotions. However, I quickly composed myself and returned to a neutral expression. I understood his desire for revenge, but I couldn't help but question whether it was the best solution.
Eren, still in a state of turmoil, reached out and gently stroked my hand before releasing it and standing up. The tension in the air was palpable as Mikasa, Armin and I exchanged worried glances.
" Eren ?". Mikasa called out, her voice filled with concern.
" What's wrong, Eren ?". Armin added, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
However, Eren shrugged him off, his gaze fixed on some distant point.
" I'll kill them all ! I'll wipe every one of them... off the face of the earth !". Eren exclaimed angrily, his grip on the boat's handrail tightening.
The three of us exchanged sad glances, realizing the weight of Eren's burden. It was difficult to see him consumed by revenge, his once optimistic spirit overshadowed by darkness. Yet, we understood that sometimes the smallest will, the smallest promise, the smallest hope could move mountains.
Armin let out a heavy sigh, breaking the heavy silence, and walked towards us.
" Are you both okay ?". He asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.
Mikasa simply nodded, her eyes reflecting both sadness and determination. Armin turned his gaze to me, his worry deepening as he noticed the dried blood on my cheek.
" I'm fine, don't worry, Arty". I reassured him, offering a faint smile despite the pain.
Armin's face flushed slightly with embarrassment before he spoke again, his voice tinged with urgency.
" But you'll have to get checked when we get there. A head injury can be very serious".
" Okay, I promise". I replied with a slight smile.
The boat finally stopped in Wall Rose, bringing us to our next destination. As we disembarked, the four of us-Armin, Eren, Mikasa, and I-were relieved to see Armin's grandfather waiting for us on the shore, having obviously left the boat a few seconds before us.
Armin quickly approached him and explained the details of my injury, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Without wasting any time, we made our way together to a medical tent that had been set up in preparation for our arrival.
Inside the tent, a doctor immediately attended to me, his gaze fixed on my head wound. He inspected it carefully, assessing the severity of the injury.
" You have been very lucky," he said, directing his attention towards Armin's grandfather." Sir, you are in charge of the children ?".
Armin's grandfather nodded, his expression filled with concern," Yes, I am. Please tell me, doctor, what should we do ?".
The doctor's face was serious as he shared his instructions," Keep a close eye on her. If you notice any signs of confusion, vomiting, or if she complains that the headaches are getting worse, don't hesitate to bring her back to me urgently".
Armin's grandfather nodded again, his determination evident.
Eren couldn't help but voice his concern," But... Will she be alright ?".
The doctor paused for a moment, assessing the situation," I don't believe there should be any long-term consequences. However, for the first forty-eight hours, it is crucial to keep a watchful eye on her".
With the doctor finishing up the treatment for my wound, we expressed our gratitude and left the medical tent, heading back to the storehouse where we were to spend the night.
As we walked through the camp, the surroundings were a hive of activity. Soldiers and refugees moved about, each engaged in their own tasks. The scent of freshly cooked meals wafted through the air, offering a fleeting sense of comfort. Though we were far from home, at least we had a roof over our heads-a small respite amidst the chaos that had become our lives.
When we arrived in the storehouse, exhaustion weighed heavily on my shoulders. I began to prepare my spot to go to sleep, setting up a makeshift bed with blankets and pillows. However, as I was about to lay down, a glimmer of light caught my eye, drawing my attention to the window. I stopped dead in my tracks, my curiosity piqued. Was it a Patronus ?
Without hesitation, I rushed outside, my friends-Eren, Mikasa, and Armin-calling out to me. I navigated outside, searching for a place where I could have a moment of solitude. Finally, I found a secluded spot, away from prying eyes. As I looked ahead, my breath caught in my throat. A magnificent doe stood there, emanating a gentle glow. Could this be Harry's Patronus ?
" Why did you leave like...". Eren began, his voice trailing off as he caught sight of the radiant doe before us.
" What is it ?". Armin inquired, his curiosity getting the better of him.
" It looks like the spell you cast earlier, Stella !". Mikasa exclaimed, her voice filled with awe and wonder.
" Spell ?". Eren questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion.
I took a step forward, cautiously approaching it. Unsure of how I have to activate it, I relied on my instincts to guide me. The four of us stood in awe, completely transfixed, as a voice emanated from the doe, resonating within the depths of our souls.
" Miss Potter. I sent you my Patronus after we received your message. We are delighted to hear that you are alive. And I am impressed that you have mastered the Patronus spell at such a young age. My congratulations to you".
" It's Professor Snape". I murmured, relief washing over me.
His presence, even in this ethereal form, provided a semblance of comfort and reassurance.
Suddenly, Snape's voice faded away, replaced by another familiar voice, one that held immense wisdom and kindness.
" Estella, this is Professor Dumbledore. I'm trying to find a way to get you back here, but so far, no spell has worked. Be very careful, and rest assured that I will continue my research".
Emotions welled up inside me, and tears blurred my vision as yet another voice replaced Dumbledore's. This time, it was a voice that tugged at my heartstrings and filled me with a bittersweet longing.
" Hey, sis... I'm sorry I didn't know how to protect you better and especially that I got you into this mess... Without that, you wouldn't be in this situation. Hermione, Ron and Ginny feel terrible, even though you'd tell us it wasn't our fault. We miss you, and I miss you. Even Malfoy has become very quiet, which is strange for him".
I struggled to maintain composure as Harry's heartfelt words resonated with every fiber of my being.
" And if the friends you made there are near you, I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for being there for you and helping you. I am relieved and happy that my little sister is alive. Be careful, and I will also look for a way to bring you back or, at the very least, master this spell so I can talk to you. I love you".
With these final words, the radiant doe disappeared, leaving a lingering sense of both melancholy and hope. I couldn't help but smile, albeit with a tinge of sadness.
" It worked". I told them with a relieved smile, and Armin, Eren, and Mikasa reciprocated with their own smiles.
" So... When the time comes, you will go back...". Mikasa muttered sadly.
Eren and Armin's expressions turned somber upon hearing her words.
I smiled softly at them, trying to reassure them," We are not there yet. I don't even know if there is a way for me to come back. You heard Dumbledore. And if he says so, it's complicated, if not impossible. I do miss my brother, but I can talk to him now. And I'm not alone. I have you guys".
Armin couldn't contain his joy and let out a small, happy laugh, while Eren and Mikasa's smiles grew wider.
" We'd better go to sleep". Mikasa stated, breaking the emotional moment.
" Yeah, let's go". I agreed.
The four of us made our way back towards the storehouse, ready to rest and recover from the day's events. However, as we walked, a faint noise behind me caught my attention.
" Did you see that ? It's incredible...". I heard someone whisper, their voice barely reaching my ears.
I stopped abruptly, my brow furrowing in confusion. When I turned around, there was no one in sight. Was I dreaming ? Or did someone else witness this spell ?
" Stella ? Are you coming ?". Armin's voice broke my train of thought.
I nodded hesitantly, still casting a glance behind me," Uh, yeah".
I took one last look, half-expecting to see a hidden figure or a clue to explain the whisper I heard. However, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps exhaustion and the blow to my head were playing tricks on my mind. At least, that's what I hoped. With a sigh, I joined the others and walked towards the storehouse, putting the mysterious incident aside for the time being.
The fatigue of the day weighed heavily on my eyelids, and as we settled into our sleeping quarters, I couldn't help but reflect on the events that had brought me here. Thoughts swirled in my mind as I drifted off to sleep.
The night seemed to have passed in a flash, and as I stirred awake, I noticed that Mikasa was already up, her gaze fixed on something in the distance. However, I couldn't spot Armin anywhere.
" Good morning, Em". I greeted her with a yawn, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
" Hello, Stella. How are you feeling this morning ?". Mikasa asked, her voice laced with concern.
" I'm fine... I should be asking you that question". I replied, my voice filled with sadness.
After all, she had already lost her biological parents, and now her adoptive mother. The world couldn't be any crueler to her.
" I'm fine, don't worry". Mikasa reassured me, her eyes reflecting a resolute determination.
I nodded, acknowledging her strength, and glanced beside me to see Eren tossing and turning in his sleep. After the tumultuous day we had yesterday, it was no wonder he was plagued by nightmares.
Frowning, I reached out and placed my hand gently on his shoulder, trying to soothe his troubled mind. His eyes snapped open, and he gasped for breath, startled by the sudden awakening.
" Hey, Eren. Are you okay ?". I asked, concern lacing my voice.
Eren looked at me, confusion etched on his face, while Mikasa approached us.
" You were tossing and turning". Mikasa added, her voice gentle and calm.
" I feel like I saw my dad". Eren muttered, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and exhaustion, his hand still rubbing his weary eyes.
" It's not possible. I mean, your father wasn't there when the wall fell, and we don't know where he is". I interjected, a furrow forming between my brows.
" Yeah... That can't be... It was only a dream". Mikasa chimed in, trying to offer some rationality to the situation.
" Was it ?". Eren's voice held a hint of doubt, his gaze distant as if lost in the memories of the dream.
The mere thought that Eren had seen his father, Grisha, troubled me deeply. If it were true, where could he be ? It seemed unlikely that he would have abandoned his search for us or his own son. Yet, dwelling on these thoughts only intensified the throbbing pain in my head.
Deciding to distract myself, I rose from the makeshift bed and began tidying up the area where I had slept.
" Let's go. They said they're going to distribute food". Mikasa said with determination.
Eren and I exchanged glances, we nodded and followed Mikasa as she led us outside the crumbling walls of the food storehouse.
" This was once a food storehouse. They're keeping refugees who fled by ship here". Mikasa explained, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination.
As we stepped outside, our attention was immediately drawn to a heated argument unfolding just a few feet away from us. Two men were engaged in a tense confrontation.
" Hey, don't cut in line !". One man shouted angrily, pointing a finger accusingly at the other.
The accused man clenched his jaw tightly, his eyes filled with desperation.
" Shut up ! I haven't eaten anything since last night !". He retorted, his voice quivering with hunger and frustration.
The air around us grew heavy with tension. It was clear that with the scarcity of food, tempers were running high, and the fragile peace could shatter at any moment. A rebellion or violent outburst seemed inevitable.
" It isn't yet certain that we'll survive". Mikasa whispered, her voice barely audible above the rising commotion.
I couldn't help but agree with her. We were living in a world torn apart by chaos, where survival seemed like an unattainable dream. The battle for existence was relentless, and hope was fading with each passing day.
Just as despair threatened to consume us, a familiar voice broke through the turmoil.
" Stella ! Eren ! Mikasa !".
We turned slightly to see Armin rushing towards us, his face beaming with a mixture of relief and excitement. In his hands, he held a few loaves of bread.
" Look, I got here in time. My grandpa managed to got these for us". Armin exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine happiness.
Relief washed over me as I realized that, against all odds, a small glimmer of hope had found its way to us.
" Thanks, Arty. That's really nice of him". I said gratefully, accepting the piece of bread he handed me.
Armin's face flushed slightly, his bashful smile highlighting his sincere nature. He then turned to Mikasa and handed her another piece of bread, which she accepted with a nod of gratitude.
When I looked up, I saw a soldier gazing at us with a mix of disdain and disgust before walking purposefully toward his colleague.
" What's his problem ?". Eren asked, frustration evident in his voice.
" It can't be helped," Armin replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness." I don't think there's enough food for everyone. They say that's all we'll get for today. There are too many refugees, and not enough food to begin with. You know the farther out you live, the less they care, right ?".
Armin's words struck a chord within me. He was always the voice of reason in our group, the one who could see the bigger picture. I couldn't help but smile at his unwavering maturity in such dire circumstances.
I looked at the two soldiers, their conversation carried through the air, reaching our ears despite the noise of the bustling refugee camp.
" Why do we have to share our food with outsiders ? If the Titans are breaking through anyway, they should have eaten more, so there would be fewer mouths". The soldier spatted, his tone laced with bitterness.
I saw Eren's face contort with anger as he furrowed his brow. Without a second thought, he stepped forward and delivered a swift kick to the soldier's leg.
Armin's fearful exclamation rang out," Eren !".
" Ow ! What are you doing, you stupid kid ?!". The soldier Eren had kicked shouted, his face contorted with both pain and anger.
" You have no idea...!" Eren's voice cracked with raw emotion." You've never even seen it ! You've never seen how they've eaten people !".
" Shut up !". The other soldier interjected, his own anger escalating as he threw a punch at Eren.
My eyes burned with fury as I glared at the soldier who had dared to harm him. Glancing at Armin and Mikasa, I couldn't help but feel a mischievous spark ignite within me. If that cretin wanted to play, then we shall play.
I walked over to Eren, my eyes welling up with fake tears-tears that the soldiers were too blind to discern as inauthentic.
" How dare you hurt my friend !" I cried out desperately, my voice quivering with a mix of fear and indignation." You're supposed to protect us, and yet you hit children ! Should I expect to be hit too...?".
The soldiers became visibly uncomfortable as the whole crowd turned to glare at them. Disapproval radiated through the air like an unspoken accusation.
" How dare he hurt a child !". One man exclaimed, his voice filled with outrage.
" He even made that sweet little girl cry". A lady chimed in, her tone dripping with disapproval.
" I-It's okay for this time". The soldier stuttered, his discomfort palpable.
The two soldiers eventually retreated, leaving the crowd to disperse slowly. I quickly wiped away the fake tears from my eyes and turned to face the trio-Eren, Armin, and Mikasa-with a mischievous smirk playing on my lips.
" H-how did you do that ? I mean crying so easily and...". Armin said with shining eyes.
" It was fake tears, it's not too hard to do. Besides, I'm not in Slytherin for nothing". I replied with a smirk.
" Is Slytherin known for this ?". Mikasa asked.
" Slytherin is known for many things, including the art of cunning". I told them as I sat on the low wall.
Mikasa, Armin, and Eren followed me, and I glanced at Eren to see that he was glaring at the ground.
" Hey, Jay... Don't make that face. There are a lot of idiots in this world, and those two soldiers were among them. Does the punch you took hurt you ?". I asked worriedly.
" No, but... Damn it... No guy like that's looking after me... I'm going back to Wall Maria ! I'm going to kill all the Titans !". Eren exclaimed.
And how does he intend to do this ? It is materially impossible and, above all, without any strategy. It's just running into the lion's den head-on.
" Eren, you aren't serious, are you ?". Armin asked in disbelief.
" I am serious ! I'm not like them, sitting inside the walls and acting tough ! I don't need this !". Eren retorted as he threw the bread towards Armin, who caught it as best he could.
" Eren, you'll starve !". Armin exclaimed.
" This doesn't bother you ?! We can't win until we stop depending on stuff from them !". Eren shouted.
" It's impossible ! We can't beat the Titans ! There's nothing we can do but live within the walls... If you do something dumb, you'll die, like my mom and dad !". Armin said, trying to talk some sense into him.
" So we should suck up to them instead ?! Aren't you ashamed ?!". Eren shouted.
" Right now... Right now, there's no choice !". Armin retorted.
Eren gritted his teeth," That's just an excuse ! Then spend the rest of your life as cattle, weakling !".
It's just mean and totally unfair. Armin has done nothing to be treated this way. All he has done is support and help us since yesterday. And now Eren was lashing out at him, driven by his frustration and anger.
I saw Mikasa frown at Eren. She must be thinking the same thing as I was - that Eren's words had crossed a line.
" Mikasa... Should I give him a punch, or do you want to do it ?". I asked, my voice laced with frustration.
Mikasa looked at me with determination in her eyes, her resolve unwavering. I understood that she wanted to be the one to deliver the blow. Without a word, she silently stepped forward, her footsteps purposeful. In one swift motion, she swung her fist, connecting with Eren's face, sending him toppling to the ground.
Armin gasped in surprise, his wide eyes reflecting a mixture of shock and concern.
" Mikasa !". He exclaimed, his voice trembling with disbelief.
But I knew that this act was necessary. It was a cathartic release... It would take away the urge to take it out on someone who hadn't asked for it. I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me as I watched Eren lying on the ground, his expression a mix of pain and confusion.
" Armin is also suffering from this situation, just like we are," I said, my voice firm, narrowing my eyes in Eren's direction." What you said to him is deeply unfair and mean".
Mikasa's voice joined mine, her words carrying a weight of authority.
" It's true," she affirmed, her tone stern." And if Armin is a weakling, so are we. We didn't even run from the Titans or the town on our own two feet. We couldn't even get the food we're eating today without help. Anyone so weak couldn't possibly defeat a single Titan. What matters is survival... like your mother said".
Mikasa's gaze remained fixed on Eren, her eyes conveying a mix of disappointment and determination. She then walked over to Armin and gently took the loaf of bread from his hand. With purpose, she turned back to Eren and shoved it forcefully into his mouth.
" Eat... and survive". Mikasa commanded, her voice filled with a mix of sternness and compassion." I won't let you starve !".
Eren's eyes filled with tears as he chewed on the bread, the realization of his actions sinking in. I sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy for him, and walked towards him.
" Eren... I know you want to change this world, and especially get revenge for what happened to your mother," I said softly, my voice tinged with empathy." I understand your feelings. But don't let your rage get the better of you. Above all, you have to go step by step to be able to defeat them".
I took his hand in mine, offering a comforting squeeze. I wished he had never known the sadness of losing his parents, but I knew that he had been there for me in my darkest moments. He had been my pillar of support when I missed my brother, and he had wiped away my tears when the weight of the world became too much. Now, it was my turn to be there for him.
Several days had passed and the burden of the food shortage still weighed heavily upon the survivors, and it seemed that the situation was only growing worse.
In the year 846, the central government made a desperate decision to employ even more refugees in an operation that aimed to recover Wall Maria. This time, two hundred fifty thousand individuals were sent out, comprising approximately twenty percent of the population.
As the operation unfolded, hope mingled with sorrow. Only a little over a hundred people managed to survive, their sacrifice serving to alleviate the food shortage, at least to some extent. Among the casualties was Armin's grandfather, who had been a pillar of support for us during these darkest times. The pain of his loss was immeasurable, and I could only imagine the grief Armin was experiencing.
When the news reached us, we decided to venture outside. Armin held tightly to his grandfather's hat, tears streaming down his face. I gazed at him, my heart aching for the pain he was enduring.
" It's all because of the Titans. If we destroy them, we can retake our home ! Armin... I'm enlisting next year. I'll gain the power to fight Titans !". Eren declared with a determined voice, his eyes filled with fiery resolve.
" Me, too...". Armin murmured softly, his voice barely audible.
We all stared at Armin in astonishment. It was the first time we had heard him express such a desire to become a soldier.
" Armin...". Eren began, his voice filled with disbelief.
But Armin interrupted, speaking with newfound determination," Me too ! I will join the fight".
Mikasa, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up calmly," I'll go, too".
Eren turned to Mikasa, a hint of concern in his eyes," Mikasa, you don't have to do this. Didn't you say that survival is what matters ?".
Mikasa nodded, her gaze unwavering," That's true, Eren. And that's precisely why I'm going-to ensure that you don't die".
" I'll go too". I said firmly, surprising the three of them.
They exchanged worried glances, knowing that I wasn't originally from this dimension and that the Titans had been unknown to me just a few months ago. But my determination had grown with every passing day.
" But Stell...". Eren began, his voice filled with concern.
I shook my head, interrupting him," You won't change my mind, Jay. I've said it before. I have a promise to keep to this world, to these people. And if I can't help my brother slow Voldemort's return, then I'll do everything in my power to create a better future here".
Eren smiled, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and determination," All right. The four of us".
Deep down, we were just four naive, hopeful souls, clinging to the belief that we could change the course of destiny.